Dragon has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation in an effort to help the oil spill crisis in the Gulf. With every purchase from the new Dragon E.C.O. (Environmentally Conscious Optics) Collection of sunglasses, money will be donated to the Foundation to fund water testing and cleanup efforts all along the damaged areas of the Gulf coast.

“In terms of its impact on the environment and local economy, the BP Spill may ultimately prove more costly than Hurricanes Rita, Ivan and Katrina combined,” says Matt McClain, Surfrider Foundation’s Marketing Director. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Dragon and their E.C.O. Collection to support our near-shore water quality monitoring efforts along the Gulf Coast, so that we can provide authorities and local communities with the critical information they need to guide response efforts”

The E.C.O. Collection by Dragon was an initiative originally inspired by Rob Machado to actively investigate methods of manufacturing environmentally friendly sunglasses by exploring sustainable materials from renewable origins. This spawned the first E.C.O sunglass frames made from 100% renewable materials, such as plant oil instead of petroleum. From there, Dragon’s offerings have grown into the 2010 E.C.O. Collection which includes popular Dragon style pieces like the Calaca, JAM, Calavera, and Experience models.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” says Rob Machado about the idea behind the E.C.O. Collection. “Why wouldn’t you do something that helps our planet? And if we can also donate through this to the surfers in the Gulf, that’s even better.” The water quality monitoring is an ongoing effort and Dragon will be partnering with Surfrider Chapters to help keep it going this fall.

Please help all surfers support this initiative with the Surfrider Foundation and go to their website for more information www.surfrider.org.

ABOUT DRAGON

Established in 1993, Dragon set out to be the leading independent eyewear and accessories brand in the youth/lifestyle market. That mission still holds true today and is the driving force behind the company’s success and heritage. As one of the few independent brands in the action sports market, Dragon captures the youthful, free thinking attitudes of our consumers and translates that into product that is connected to first-mover innovation, athlete performance, and cutting edge style. Dragon manufactures a mix of surf, snow, motorsports, wake, and alternative lifestyle products that align us with the young, core participant consumer base who are loyal to our brand